For the last couple of years, Pakistan’s auto industry has been experiencing the toughest of times with sales falling flat. This is due to several reasons including insanely high prices, impractical auto financing conditions, and economic factors including a reduced purchasing power of the masses.
But even in these challenging times, one brand in Pakistan is seeing incredible growth while defying all the odds. The performance of Sazgar Haval ought to serve as a case study for others.
Related: 2023: A Phenomenal Year for Sazgar Haval
While the industry including the leading names is experiencing the biggest decline in market history, Sazar with its Haval SUVs is enjoying a staggering 134% improvement in sales. So far during the first 8 months of this fiscal year, over 2,663 units of Haval have been sold compared to 1,138 units sold in the same period of the previous fiscal year. The table below shows that Haval is the only brand to witness a growth in sales during this fiscal year, that too in quite a remarkable way.
| Make/ Model(s) | 8M-FY23 | 8M-FY24 | Difference % |
| Toyota Corolla & Yaris | 14,875 | 9,181 | -38% |
| Toyota Fortuner & Hilux | 8,805 | 2,815 | -68% |
| Honda Civic & City | 11,770 | 6,520 | -44% |
| Honda HR-V & BR-V | 3,673 | 1,221 | -68% |
| Hyundai Elantra | 1,698 | 686 | -60% |
| Hyundai Sonata | 948 | 541 | -43% |
| Hyundai Tucson | 3,572 | 2,179 | -39% |
| Haval H6 & Jolion | 1,138 | 2,663 | 134% |
| Suzuki Swift | 7,707 | 3,445 | -55% |
| Suzuki Cultus | 5,758 | 2,501 | -57% |
| Suzuki Wagon R | 4,533 | 2,285 | -50% |
| Suzuki Alto | 28,202 | 19,761 | -30% |
| Suzuki Bolan | 3,083 | 1,497 | -51% |
| Suzuki Ravi | 3,011 | 1,943 | -35% |
| Isuzu D-Max | 153 | 97 | -36% |
| BAIC BJ40 | 104 | 34 | -67% |
Data: PAMA (Pakistan Automobile Manufacturers Association)
Sazgar ventured with Haval in March 2021 having already teamed up with BAIC. Initially, the Haval H6 and Jolion were sold as CBU imported units but then the company started rolling off locally assembled H6 in September 2022, followed by the H6 hybrid in November 2022. In September 2023, the locally assembled Haval Jolion started rolling off the assembly lines whereas in March 2024, the company added the locally assembled Jolion HEV to its portfolio.
Haval SUVs are loved for their imposing road presence, value-for-money features & equipment as well as safety on offer, and a price that has helped the company give nightmares to the established names in the same league. In addition to giving other comparable vehicles in the market a hard time, Haval is drawing a lot of buyers who would otherwise pay more than Rs 7.5 million for a sedan but are now considering Haval to be worthwhile.
Related: Sazgar’s Story Tells Exactly Why Every Automaker Wants to Launch SUVs
Pakistan’s annual vehicle production numbers have dwindled sharply in recent years, but Sazgar’s venture with Haval has paid them off extremely well as the company continues to post remarkable figures each passing month.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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